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Map: Horses neglected

NEW RIVER, Ariz. -- A New River woman is facing numerous charges for allegedly neglecting 30 miniature horses, one of which had to be euthanized, according to the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office.

Heather Phillip, 61, was booked Wednesday into the Maricopa County Jail on 24 misdemeanors and three felonies after sheriff's deputies served a search warrant at a home on the 44800 block of New River Road.

Deputies reportedly found the horses suffering from poor medical care and severe neglect. The sheriff's office said some of the horses could barely walk because their hooves were in such bad shape.

The sheriff's office said 24 of the miniature horses were immediately taken to a veterinarian.

Many of the horses are being held at Sheriff Joe Arpaio's no-kill shelter. Others have been placed in foster homes while the the case against Phillip is ongoing.

This was one of three animal hoarding cases investigated by the sheriff's office this week.